Oberoi Hotel Mumbai

Suite: from $950 per night - Room: from $430 per night

India Hotel Luxury Destination Guide - Mumbai

History

The Portuguese gave the original group of seven islands that make up Mumbai to the British as part of a Portuguese princess's dowry, in 1661. The British developed the area into a prosperous seaport and trading centre. In the mid 19th century Mumbai's fortunes boomed, due to its cotton textile trade flourishing through shortages caused by the American Civil War. In the late 19th century, the foundation of today's modern city of Mumbai were established as the British dismantled the old fort walls of the city and began to reclaim the sea. This process of reclamation has continued until today's megapolis, with its thrusting high-rise buildings bears no relation to the original seven small islands.

Elephanta Caves

Set on a small island across Mumbai's harbour, these remarkable 5th century temples were carved out of the rock.

The Prince of Wales Museum

This impressive Indo-Saracenic building is the home of an impressive collection which includes miniature paintings, Buddhist images and sculptures, from the Elephanta Caves.

Mani Bhavan

Mahatma Gandhi stayed here (1917-1934), now the building houses the Gandhi museum. Dedicated to the father of the Nation, it has an archive and a diorama showing Gandhi’s life.

Haji Ali

Built in the memory of a Muslim saint, the mausoleum is approachable during low tide via a narrow causeway.

The Mumbadevi Temple

The temple of the Mother Goddess is surrounded by bustling, colourful streets and is a temple to the Mother Goddess for whom Mumbai is named.

The Banganga Temple

Right in the heart of Mumbai, this ancient temple complex dates back to the legendary Ramayana, over 3,000 years ago.